Tales From Northern Michigan #3

Tales from Northern Michigan is a new feature that will appear irregularly here on the blog. The point of it is to share cool stuff from one of my favorite areas- northern Michigan. As many of you are aware Michigan actually has an Upper and Lower Peninsula, linked by the Mackinac Bridge, and I'll be showcasing the area that we in lower Michigan affectionately call "Up North." It could be anything from music to wildlife to bookstores- you never know what you'll find Up North, so who knows what will turn up here? 

So without further ado, here's a look at the beauty of northern Michigan. 

First up is a look at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, otherwise known as simply the sand dunes. This video by drone captures an eagle eye view, including the extremely strenuous climb at the 12 second mark, sun- dappled forests, and the magnificent Lake Michigan overlook.   

Oh and if you don't want to watch the whole video, just the first minute alone really captures the beauty. 

  

Just a quick note on the previous video- as I mentioned, there's an extremely strenuous climb you can see at 12 seconds in, and also towards the end of the video. The Park Service recommends against climbing there, but in reality people seem to like the challenge or something. I think it actually hastens erosion of the dunes at that point, but the Park Service seems to tolerate it there so that people don't do it at half a dozen places? Just my guess. 

Also, every year there are numerous instances of people having to be rescued when they just can't make it. It's a 450 foot drop, after all, and anyone with a heart condition or not in prime shape is strongly encouraged NOT to do it. 

Some pics of my own. 

Here's an awesome video from a couple who spent the day hiking the dunes back to Lake Michigan. I've done this trek a few times, and let me tell you- it helps to be in shape and have lots of water!!

And here's a look at Mackinac Island, one of the cooler places in Michigan. No cars are allowed on the island so it's all bikes or horses, folks. Many people tour by carriage, or bike along the perimeter of the island or though the interior- there are roads, just no cars (other than emergency vehicles). You can see the famous Arch Rock at the 1:25 mark and the amazing Grand Hotel at 3:35.

And... this is fun. Suttons Bay was the scene of a Guinness World Record attempt- to have the most kayaks in one place. I guess the record has ping- ponged back and forth between here and a place in NY? 

And to close this out- here's a look at the Christmas tree lighting on Mackinac Island!